Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior Safari Park

Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park Job Description

Posted Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM | Expires Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:59 AM

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature and leading the fight against extinction. The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior, under general supervision, performs a wide variety of functions in the training, handling and care of wildlife used for public appearances and contact, such as educational programs.

This position reports to the Wildlife Training Supervisor or Manager. The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior performs a wide variety of moderately difficult tasks involved in preparing wildlife for public contact and presentations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Trains wildlife in new behaviors and reinforces trained behaviors
• Prepares wildlife for a variety of stimuli, location and health maintenance using positive methods and participation from the animal
• Prepares and feed wildlife
• Manages wildlife to ensure public safety
• Transports wildlife to habitat or location for sharing conservation/sustainability messaging. Assists handlers, set up props, stages or other areas
• Assists medical staff in treatment of assigned wildlife
• Makes informational presentations to the public
• Cleans and maintains habitats and work areas
• Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
• Keeps feeding, medication and other records regarding wildlife care
• Answers questions and provides information to the public regarding assigned wildlife

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Preferred candidate with experience working with a variety of taxa, including small mammals, carnivores, and birds

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Education, training and experience, which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined; an example would be two or more years experience as a wildlife handler at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance or a comparable organization, preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma Required
• California Driver License within 30 days required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of:

• Animal behavior
• Animal behavior modification
• Care, feeding and handling of wild animals
• Safety practices around wild animals
• SDZWA policies, procedures and regulations regarding the care, handling and training of exhibit animals

Ability to:

• Train and modify behavior in a variety of environments
• Discriminate differences in animal vocalizations
• Monitor animal behavior
• Keep simple records
• Communicate and work effectively with others (verbal and written)
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the others in a diverse environment
• Respond to cautions from co-workers
• Monitor animal behavior and appearance
• Operate motorized equipment and vehicles
• Competently perform the essential functions outlined above
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Position Type:
  Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $31.98

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an  email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’…